Top news of the day: Depression over Bay of Bengal to intensify into cyclonic storm by October 26; Jaishankar rejects terrorism as instrument of statecraft; and more

Depression over Bay of Bengal to intensify into cyclonic storm by October 26Under the influence of the impending Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 27 and 28, Odisha and Telangana on October 28 and Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29, 2026. The Depression over Eastcentral and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal moved southwestwards with speed of 5 kmph during past 6 hours, intensified into a deep Depression and lay centered at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday (October 25, 2026).Usage of terrorism as instrument of statecraft simply unacceptable: JaishankarThe usage of terrorism as an “instrument of statecraft” is simply unacceptable, and it can never be justified or rationalised, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Sunday (October 25, 2026) and flagged that it continues because “not all states really display zero tolerance” to the menace. Despite history holding so many lessons on it, “some still allow political calculations to take precedence”, he said in his address at an event here without naming any country.Mann ki Baat address: PM Modi promotes ‘Vocal for Local’, highlights India’s scientific progressPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (October 25, 2026) lauded individuals and communities for promoting organic farming, indigenous products, digital healthcare, scientific research and environmental conservation. Their efforts were creating new opportunities and contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India, Mr. Modi said.PM Modi witnesses IAF air show in VaranasiPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (October 25, 2026) attended the Indian Air Force’s air show ‘Wings over Ganges’ at Namo Ghat in Varanasi and witnessed a display of aerial manoeuvres by the IAF’s premier display teams. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied Mr. Modi on the final day of the three-day air show held to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.Raj Thackeray deletes PM Modi-Adani documentary from social media after Mumbai Police chief’s requestMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday (October 25, 2026) said he has deleted a documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani from his social media handles following a request from the Mumbai Police Commissioner.ECI hiding information on ECINET software as it will reveal manipulation: CongressThe Congress on Sunday (October 25, 2026) accused the Election Commission of India of hiding information about the controversial ECINET software and claimed that the poll body is repeatedly refusing to provide this because it will reveal the reality of the “massive, centralised manipulation” that has taken place in the “disastrous” SIR.Heartfelt thanks to BJP for ‘promoting’ INDIA bloc rally with great enthusiasm: RahulCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (October 25, 2026) gave a sarcastic “heartfelt thank you” to the BJP and its allies for “promoting” the INDIA bloc rally against ‘vote chori’ on November 1 “so enthusiastically” and ensuring its call reaches as many people as possible. The INDIA bloc rally is part of a series of opposition protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the CEC’s “poll irregularities”.Congress demands Manipur CM’s resignation, fresh polls amid renewed violenceThe Congress on Sunday (October 25, 2026) demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, alleging a failure to contain renewed violence in the State. It said no armed group or individual attacking civilians should enjoy “political protection or immunity”.India advises its nationals in Saudi Arabia against filming missile interceptionsIndia on Sunday (October 25, 2026) advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to abide by local rules and regulations and refrain from filming or publishing information related to missile and drone interceptions. The advisory comes amid escalating tensions in the region due to a series of drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthis.Ethical boundaries to detecting deepfakes: NCERT introduces 20-hour AI module for classes 9-12Use of AI in everyday applications, understanding how machines learn from examples, detecting deepfakes and ethical boundaries protecting personal data — classes 9 to 12 will now study a 20-hour introductory module on computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) released by NCERT. Published - October 25, 2026 05:49 pm IST